Tactile Sounds has released Substance, a freeware virtual synthesizer instrument plug-in for Windows.

Substance is a virtual analog software synthesizer (VSTi) emphasizing simplicity, flexibility, and sound quality. The key factors in the design of Substance were that it should sound great, without effects, and that it should all fit on one page.

Substance has two of everything: two oscillator sections, two LFOs, two envelopes, two filters. The oscillator sections were inspired by the architecture of classic analog polysynths, which used multiple oscillators to achieve polyphony, but allowed the oscillators to be combined for a monophonic Unison mode. The oscillators would generally be slightly out of tune with one another, resulting in a rich, chorused sound. Each of Substance’s oscillators likewise comprises seven unison voices, with the amount of detuning, and the stereo breadth being adressed by a single parameter, Spread. The LFOs can be used to modulate almost every parameter of the synth. They can be used to trigger the envelopes, to modulate the frequency and pulse-width of the oscillators, the cutoff frequency of the filters, and the volume of the amplifier. LFO-1 can be switched between free-running, tempo-synced, and key-synced modes. A manual is included in the download link, detailing all of the other features.

Substance is available to download as a freeware VST instrument plug-in for Windows PC. Donations are welcome.

Tactile Sounds has released version 1.0.0.2 of TS-808, a virtual drum instrument plug-in for Windows which emulates the Roland TR-808 drum machine.

Not one, but two new versions of the TS-808 are available. Both are included in the download. There is a mono version which is an update of the TS-808 you know and love, and there is also, by popular demand, a stereo version, with panning for each voice. Both versions feature a sexy new interface designed by Limeflavour. Additionally, both versions now feature standard GM voice mapping, in addition to the idiosyncratic Tactile Sounds take on what number goes where. Both versions also have LEDs indicating voice activity, and mute buttons for each voice. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback, especially sink.

Changes in TS-808 v10.0.2

Standard GM Voice Mapping.

New GUI, designed by Limeflavour.

LEDs indicating Voice Activity.

Voice Mute Buttons.

Compiled with the latest version of SynthEdit, reducing CPU consumption.

Panning for each voice (stereo version only).

TS-808 is available to download as a freeware VST instrument for Windows PC.

Tactile Sounds has released the TS-808, a software emulation of the Roland TR-808.

Tactile Sounds TS-808

The TR-808 service notes provide full schematics for each voice. I used them to make SPICE simulations of the circuits. I also analysed the best samples I could find (The Tape808, by Goldbaby), and tweaked the sounds until the waveforms and spectral content were as close as possible to the real thing. Most of the voices have more parameters and a greater range than their hardware predecessor.

The TS-808 was a labour of love – I made it because I wanted to make music with it. I decided to make it available at no fixed cost because I thought others would enjoy using it too. If you use it a lot, and especially if you derive an income from your use of it, please consider making a donation. The TS-808 was made with SynthEdit.

TS-808 is available to download as a free VST instrument plug-in for Windows PC.